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Right-hander Steve Cishek, the Marlins' fine closer, is starting to come up in trade talks, perhaps the first sign that fading Miami may be moving into sell mode.
The Marlins have been hoping to be buyers, but at 45-52 and 8 1/2 games back -- thanks to a six-game losing streak that ended with a 3-2 win at San Francisco on Sunday -- it appears pretty unrealistic they could sneak into the playoffs. Manager Mike Redmond and his young team have done a nice job treading water after the loss of superstar starter Jose Fernandez to Tommy John surgery, but reality seems to be setting in.
With Huston Street off the market after being traded to the Angels, and Jonathan Papelbon's contract fairly unpalatable, Cishek may be considered the top current closer on the market -- barring Boston more seriously considering a deal for superstar closer Koji Uehara. Cishek is 4-5 with a 3.66 ERA and 46 strikeouts against 14 walks in 39 1/3 innings, and he's saved 21 games in 25 chances.
Left-hander Mike Dunn is another Marlin bullpen piece that could interest teams.
There is no real evidence that the Marlins would consider trading their active superstar, outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, and in fact Marlins people are telling teams they have no interest in moving him.
